Metro Detroit area high school basketball predictions: Area teams preparing for Round 2

Clarkston has a key game coming up against North Farmington on Friday night that has big implications on the OAA Red standings. (Jared Purcell | japurcell@mlive.com)

The best match ups this week involve a lot of rematches for teams in the area. Moreover, the rematches still have key implications on the league and division standings. Canton and Westland John Glenn meet again - boys and girls - in a battle for the top spot in the KLAA South.

In the MAC Red girls, Dakota and Utica Ford will both look to stay in the league title hunt with a win. Both are tied for second in the division.

However, perhaps the best match up on Friday is a first-time boys match up between OAA Red leaders.

Here are predictions for the top Metro Detroit area games this weekend:

TOP BOYS GAMES (Home team in CAPS) Jared’s Boys Record: 8-2 last edition, 29-12 overall

Clarkston 61, NORTH FARMINGTON 58 (Friday, 7 p.m.)

This is a much anticipated first meeting between the two teams as this could help answer some questions about the fate of the OAA Red Division where Clarkston and North Farmington are both tied for first place. Clarkston has won five in a row heading in while North Farmington has won seven of its last eight.

Canton 69, WESTLAND JOHN GLENN 65 – OT (Friday, 7 p.m.)

Glenn came away with a 53-48 on the road the last time these two teams met. Although Glenn has home court advantage this time, Canton will still be just as difficult to beat. Canton has won four in a row since the first meeting between the two teams. Expect this battle of top KLAA South teams to go the distance with Canton getting the road upset.

TOP GIRLS GAMES (Home team in CAPS) Jared’s Girls Record: 6-0 last edition, 23-8 overall

Westland John Glenn 59, CANTON 50 (Friday, 7 p.m.)

John Glenn did not have too much trouble with Canton the first time around, with the Rockets coming away with a 59-38 win. However, don’t expect Canton to go away so easily this time, as its KLAA South title hopes basically hinge on this game. Expect Glenn to build a comfortable lead early and watch Canton put up a better fight as the game wears on.

Macomb Dakota 61, UTICA FORD 44, (Friday, 5:30 p.m.)

Both teams are desperately trying to keep pace with Grosse Pointe South in the MAC Red Division race. Ford already got hammered by South on Tuesday and is look to avoid a double disappointment this week. However, Dakota is too good of a shooting team with a solid defense to let anyone else in the MAC Red stomp its league title hopes.